The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-10-23
OUR FOREIGN CoNsULs.

They Are Handicapped by Low Salaries and
Iasufficient Money Allowances.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON Oct. Pr think I have dis
covered of the reasons why the United
States cannot compete, in a commercial sense.
with England" remarked gentleman who has
just returned from = trip to Europe, to your cor
respondent to-day. II found everywhere
went on the continent" he continued, s.that the
consuls of the United States were tucked away
in dark streets and dngy Offices while the COM
mercial representatives of her British Majesty
were always to be found in the most prominent
places In Naples. for instance, I found the
representative of this country tucked away in
dirty little room over a stable His Office WAS
furnished in the most primitive manner. He
had desk ard q few cheap chairs, a flag and
supply OF stationery. and an assortmens of gov
ernmental publications found that he
draws a salary of 500 . year, and
that he is allowed 5000 . year for
rent and Office expenses. II he
should elect to combine his residence with his
Office learn that he would be deprived Of the
rent allowance. under these circumstances
was not surprised at the surrou ndings Of the
American consulate. But I own that I felt
ashamed of the government which allows itself
to be represented in this manner am not an
anglomaniac. On tho contrary, I believe MOST
thoroughly in the superiority of America
every other nation earth. But was anxious
to see how the British treat their consul at the
same place. found Mr. Edward Fl. B. Hart
we'll, her Majesty's consul very comfortably in
stalled in y handsome suite of Offices attached to
his residence. The location excellent and
the Office handsomely carpeted and fur.
nished. It was comfortable and attractive. and
in one Of tho best possible locations.
lowed q salary of So 900 o year. just double
that which Mr.. Edward Camphausen, our repre-
sentative, draws Besides his salary no has
an allowance OF $1,000 . year for his
Office expenses. He IS not barred from living in
the same building occupied Office and in
needed. This is not an isolated case. on the
contrary it is a common thing TO find our consuls
put to severe straits to make decent appear
apce. The oldest consul of the United States in
continuous service is Mr.. Horatio ). Sprague,
who WAS appointed to the consulate at Gibraltar
in 1885, forty lone years ago. He seems 70 be o
fixture. But am sure he has no sinecura. He
draws a salary Of 1880 and expends ut least
81, 600 annually in main tanning his Office. He 10
a wealthy man and rather likes the position, even
way" continued the gentleman. Il have another
old friend In the service. Thomas Adamson. Of
Pennsylvanla. was appointed consul to Pernam-
buco in 1860. or 'Gl. Since then he has been
his fourth year as consul general at Panama.
He seems able to stand the climate there In spite
OF the fact that three representatives OF Great
Britain have died there since he appointed
He draws salsry q 50 600 year and $500 for
ceives $4,000 and IS. 900 for the same services
think that it would be beneficial to the country
if the Offices of minister and envoy were abol-